57/70 Task Force

5 days ago

The 57/70 Task Force was founded on the belief that human trafficking and the exploitation of the vulnerable often hide in plain sight. Even in places where we should feel safest.

The recent news regarding the arrest of Rev. Michael Mohr serves as a devastating reminder of why our mission to educate, spot, and report is so critical. Exploitation knows no boundaries, and it is up to us as a community to be the eyes and ears that protect those who cannot protect themselves.

We are praying for the victims involved and for the truth to be fully revealed. Now, more than ever, we must stand together to eliminate these crimes in Effingham County and beyond.

Stay alert. Stay educated. The story: truthandlightmedia.org/?p=3333 ... See MoreSee Less

57/70 Task Force

3 weeks ago

MONTROSE MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE FELONIES

Effingham Police took a Montrose man into custody at approximately 1:00 P.M. on Friday, January 9, 2026, after receiving a report earlier that morning alleging inappropriate electronic messages involving a child. Investigators immediately identified the suspect as Dakota (Kody) M. Czerwonka, 32, Montrose.

Czerwonka was arrested and booked into the Effingham County Jail on the following charges:
• Grooming – Luring Child to Commit Sex Offense or Engaging in Unlawful Sexual Conduct With a Child – Class 4 Felony
• Sexual Exploitation of a Child – Class 4 Felony
If convicted, both charges are punishable by a prison sentence of 1 to 3 years, a fine of up to $25,000, and mandatory sex offender registration.

An initial court appearance will be held today to determine eligibility for continued detention under the Pre-Trial Fairness Act. Grooming is a detainable offense under the SAFE-T Act, and individuals charged with this violation of law can be detained pre-trial. Because Czerwonka is the founder and teacher at Crossroads Montessori School, located in the Lincolnland Building, Effingham, and the charges stem from reported electronic messages sent to a student who is a minor, Effingham Police Department is in support of detention.

According to Police Chief Kurt Davis, the speed of the initial investigation was critical due to the nature of the offense and the immediate threat posed to the community. “After reviewing the content of the case after it was reported to our Department, Officers immediately identified a very real safety risk and promptly effected an arrest of the subject, thereby eliminating any further opportunities for this individual to be in contact with other students or children. I’m very pleased with their efforts. They showed dedication to ensuring the safety of our community through these actions.”

Effingham Police Investigators are furthering the case, and no additional information will be released at this time.

ALL INDIVIDUALS LISTED AS ARRESTED OR ISSUED A CITATION ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

If you see it, say it! The Effingham Police Department encourages you to call the Police Department immediately at 217-347-0774 to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood or business district. Information can be given anonymously by calling the CRIME STOPPERS Tip Line at 217-347-6583. Anonymous callers can receive up to $1,000 cash rewards.

Source: www.facebook.com/share/1ANVMT729K/ ... See MoreSee Less

57/70 Task Force

4 weeks ago

Human trafficking doesn’t respond to politeness.

AND NEITHER DO I……

Over the past year, I’ve worked across borders training military leaders, law enforcement, mental health professionals, case managers, and families—the people closest to the point of impact. This work demands more than surface-level awareness. It requires critical thinking, operational clarity, and the willingness to confront systems that too often fail the vulnerable.

Human Trafficking Awareness Month is not a box to check or a post to scroll past. It’s a call to action—to disrupt the gaps traffickers exploit, to equip professionals with real-world tools, and to move from intention to intervention.

As I head into 2026, the work is expanding—new regions, deeper collaboration, higher-level training environments. The message isn’t getting quieter. The expectation isn’t getting lower.

If you’re a military unit, law enforcement agency, mental health organization, school, faith community, or advocacy group ready to move beyond awareness and into measurable impact, let’s talk.

I DO NOT COME TO MAKE PEOPLE COMFORTABLE….

I COME TO MAKE SYSTEMS BETTER….

And I’m just getting started…..

Dr. Nissi Hamilton, Survivor Leader Expert
#NationalHumanTraffickingAwarenessMonth #ImJustGettingStarted
Source: www.facebook.com/share/p/1GpcLK5p5T/ ... See MoreSee Less

57/70 Task Force

4 weeks ago

Trafficking often begins online. It starts with grooming. With promises. With attention that feels safe and validating. A message becomes a conversation. A conversation becomes trust. And trust is slowly turned into control. This is how exploitation takes root long before it looks like what people expect.

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and for us, awareness is only the beginning. In Effingham County, we know that language matters and education saves lives. Please read. Please share. You may help reach someone who needs this more than you know. ... See MoreSee Less